The Most Popular Pinball Machine, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the machine you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:46
For enthusiasts and casual players alike, choosing which pinball machine to play can be a delightful challenge, given the sheer number of options available. Each machine offers a unique blend of sound effects, artwork, and gameplay, leading to heated debates over which is the most entertaining. By ranking these machines based on popular opinion, we provide a clear indicator of general preferences, aiding both newcomers and seasoned players in selecting a machine that promises maximum enjoyment.
This dynamic ranking evolves with every vote cast, reflecting the latest trends and tastes within the pinball community. Every vote contributes to the accuracy of the ranking, ensuring that it remains a reliable resource for pinball enthusiasts looking to make the most of their gaming experience. Whether you're looking to revisit a beloved classic or discover a new favorite, your participation helps shape this ongoing conversation about what makes a pinball machine stand out.
What Is the Most Popular Pinball Machine?
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125votes
Stéfan Le Dû · CC BY-SA 2.5The Addams Family Pinball Machine
Pat LawlorThis machine is considered one of the most successful and popular pinball machines of all time, with over 20,000 units produced. It is known for its intricate playfield, unique sound effects, and iconic theme based on the classic TV show and movie.The Addams Family Pinball Machine is a popular pinball machine based on the popular television and film series, The Addams Family. It was created by Pat Lawlor and released by Midway (under the Bally label) in 1992. The game features stunning artwork, unique gameplay elements, and engaging sounds and animations. Players take on the role of a family member, embarking on various missions and challenges to explore the mysterious Addams mansion.- Year of Release: 1992
- Number of Players: 1-4
- Type: Solid State Electronic (SS)
- Display: Dot Matrix
- Theme: The Addams Family
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238votes
Medieval Madness Pinball Machine
Williams ElectronicsThis machine is highly regarded for its challenging gameplay, humorous animations, and detailed medieval theme. It has become a cult classic among pinball enthusiasts and has even been remade in a limited edition run.The Medieval Madness Pinball Machine is a classic pinball game known for its medieval theme and fast-paced gameplay. It was first released in 1997 and quickly gained popularity among pinball enthusiasts. The objective of the game is to defeat the King of Payne and his evil minions by using flippers to hit balls at various targets and ramps on the playfield. With its innovative features and humorous elements, Medieval Madness continues to be a favorite among pinball fans.- Year of Release: 1997
- Number of Players: 1-4
- Type: Solid State
- Display: Dot Matrix
- Flippers: 2
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333votes
Attack from Mars Pinball Machine
Williams Electronic GamesAnother classic from the 90s, this machine features a fun sci-fi theme with colorful graphics and challenging gameplay. It has become a fan favorite for its humor and overall fun factor.Attack from Mars Pinball Machine is a classic pinball machine released in 1995. It is known for its innovative design and captivating gameplay. The game features a theme based on an alien invasion, where players must defend Earth from an attack by Martians.- Year of Release: 1995
- Designer: Brian Eddy
- Type: Solid State Electronic (SS)
- Players: 1-4
- Display: DMD (Dot Matrix Display)
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415votes
Twilight Zone Pinball Machine
Midway GamesBased on the classic TV series, this machine is known for its complex ruleset and innovative features, such as a working gumball machine and a mini-playfield. It has been praised for its longevity and replay value.The Twilight Zone Pinball Machine is a classic pinball game released in 1993 by Midway Games. It is based on the popular TV series 'The Twilight Zone' created by Rod Serling. With its distinct theme and innovative features, it has become one of the most popular pinball machines of all time.- Release Year: 1993
- Theme: 'The Twilight Zone' TV series
- Number of Players: 1-4
- Display: Dot matrix
- Flippers: 3
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57votes
Monster Bash Pinball Machine
Williams ElectronicsThis machine features a fun monster theme with iconic characters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy. It is known for its catchy music and humorous animations, as well as its challenging gameplay.The Monster Bash Pinball Machine is a classic pinball game that was released in 1998. It features a spooky monster theme and is loved by players for its fun gameplay and retro style. The goal of the game is to assemble a band of iconic monsters and put on a rock concert.- Year of Release: 1998
- Number of Players: 1 to 4
- Display Type: DMD (Dot Matrix Display)
- Flippers: 3
- Ramps: 3
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68votesBased on the popular movie franchise, this machine features intricate artwork and a variety of modes and challenges. It is known for its fast-paced gameplay and exciting multiball sequences.The Indiana Jones Pinball Machine is a classic and widely popular pinball machine based on the iconic Indiana Jones film franchise. It was released in 1993 and has since achieved a cult status among pinball enthusiasts.
- Dimensions: 55.5"H x 27"W x 55"D
- Weight: approximately 250 lbs
- Players: Up to 4 players
- Display: Dot matrix display
- Flippers: 3 flippers
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77votes
Star Trek: The Next Generation Pinball Machine
Williams Electronics GamesThis machine features a deep ruleset and innovative features such as a rotating Borg ship toy and a moving warp ramp. It is known for its challenging gameplay and loyal fanbase.Star Trek: The Next Generation Pinball Machine is a classic pinball game based on the popular television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was released in 1993 and quickly became one of the most beloved pinball machines of its time.- Dimensions: Width: 22.5 inches, Height: 76 inches, Depth: 55 inches
- Weight: Approximately 250 lbs
- Number of Players: Up to 4 players
- Display: Dot matrix display on the backbox
- Features: Multiple ramps, six-ball multiball, seven magnets, two automatic firing cannons
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812votesBased on the classic pulp hero, this machine features a unique "battle the Shadow" mode and a variety of challenging shots. It was praised for its innovative design and immersive gameplay.The Shadow Pinball Machine is a highly popular pinball machine that was released in 1994. It is based on the popular superhero comic strip 'The Shadow'. The game features a captivating and immersive experience, blending elements of mystery, suspense, and action. It is considered one of the best pinball machines of its time.
- Year of Release: 1994
- Design and Artwork: John Trudeau, Doug Watson
- Theme: The Shadow
- Number of Players: 1-4
- Flippers: 3
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95votes
Fish Tales Pinball Machine
Williams ElectronicsThis machine features a fun fishing theme with colorful graphics and a variety of modes and challenges. It is known for its catchy music and overall fun factor, making it a popular choice for casual players.The Fish Tales Pinball Machine is an iconic and highly regarded pinball machine that was released in 1992 by Williams Electronics. It features a fishing theme, incorporating vibrant artwork and exciting gameplay elements that have made it a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.- Dimensions: Height: 76 inches, Width: 29 inches, Depth: 56 inches
- Weight: Approximately 260 lbs
- Players: Up to 4 players
- Display: DMD (Dot Matrix Display)
- Flippers: 3 flippers
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107votes
Cactus Canyon Pinball Machine
Bally/WilliamsThis machine features a fun western theme with colorful graphics and a variety of challenging shots. It has become a cult classic among pinball enthusiasts and is highly sought after due to its limited production run.Cactus Canyon Pinball Machine is a popular pinball machine released in 1998. It features an Old West theme with various elements including cowboys, cacti, and saloons. The goal is to complete objectives and defeat villains to save the town.- Year released: 1998
- Number of players: 1-4
- Display type: Dot Matrix Display (DMD)
- Flippers: 3
- Ramps: 3
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular machine
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Gameplay and designThe overall gameplay experience, including the layout and flow of the playfield, the placement and design of ramps, targets, bumpers, and other game elements, should be engaging, challenging, and enjoyable for a wide range of players.
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Theme and artworkThe visual appeal and presentation of the machine, including the art on the playfield, backglass, and cabinet, as well as any licensed themes or properties associated with the game, can significantly impact a machine's popularity.
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Sound and musicThe game's soundtrack, sound effects, and any voice callouts should enhance the overall player experience and be entertaining and memorable.
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Ruleset and game modesA well-designed ruleset that presents a clear, meaningful, and rewarding path of progression through the game, as well as a variety of game modes and multiball options, can give a pinball machine broad appeal and long-lasting replayability.
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Balance and accessibilityA great pinball machine should be balanced in terms of difficulty and reward, offering challenges for experienced players while also being approachable and enjoyable for casual players.
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Innovation and featuresUnique and innovative gameplay features, such as special playfield toys or interactive elements, can set a game apart from others and contribute to its popularity.
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Legacy and reputationThe historical significance, enduring popularity, and overall reputation of a pinball machine within the pinball community can impact its ranking as well.
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Manufacturer and designerThe provenance of the machine, including the track record of the manufacturer and the designer or design team responsible for the game, can influence both its quality and popularity.
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Production numbers and availabilityThe rarity or scarcity of a specific machine, based on factors such as production run size and the number of units still in existence, can contribute to its desirability and status within the pinball world.
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Competitive play and tournament useA pinball machine's popularity within the competitive pinball community, as well as its suitability for use in tournaments and organized play, can contribute to its overall ranking and appeal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Pinball machine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or machine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1734 views
- 155 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each machine once every 24 hours. The rank of each machine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular pinball machine
Pinball machines have been a beloved pastime for generations. The first pinball machine was invented in the 18th century, but it wasn't until the 1930s that they became popular in the United States. Since then, pinball has seen many innovations and changes, from mechanical to digital. Today, pinball enthusiasts enjoy a wide range of machines, from classic designs to modern, high-tech creations. With so many options to choose from, it's no wonder that pinball remains a popular choice for gamers of all ages. So, what is the most popular pinball machine? Let's take a look at some of the top contenders and see which one comes out on top.
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